Click to see his bio

Quick Glance

FAVORITE THINGS — Computers, Using my hands (woodworking, fixing, etc.), time with family, visiting other lodges (especially out of the country)

About Me

I was born in Riverside, CA but raised all over. I moved around twelve times by the time I graduated high school, so I got to see a lot of our great nation as well as meet many people. Joined the Navy after 2 yrs of college and was a Sonar Technician aboard the Los Angeles Class Submarine, USS Oklahoma City (SSN 723). Left the Navy and went into the Semiconductor industry for twelve years working my way up to Regional Manager. Switched industries and now am a Director of Program Management for a logistics company.

I consider myself semi-active in the fraternity and belong to a few lodges and appendant bodies. I was initiated into the fraternity September of 2006 at Trinity Valley Lodge #1048 in Dallas, TX (my mother's lodge). I was passed to the degree of Fellow Craft in December 2006, and raised to Master Mason in February 2007. I am an affiliate member of Northern Star #377, John L. DeGrazier #1349, TX Lodge of Research, as well as active in Love Field Chapter #478, Love Field Council #396, Alexander C. Garrett Commandery #103, and somewhat active in Scottish Rite where I am the 18th Degree Master as well as the Wise Master for that degree, in addition to various other bodies and organizations.

How I Got Into Masonry

I had a friend during my first year of college who was a DeMolay, and the little bit of it I knew about then intrigued me. I did not belong to a college fraternity as I was not drawn to, nor impressed with, the seemingly juvenile treatment I saw of those desiring admission. Masonry's more mature higher purpose attracted me from the time I first learned about it. From that point it was on my life's agenda of things to do once I knew I could spend time dedicating myself to it.

It took me 19 years from that point before I finally made the choice to go forward with my desire. The wait was mainly due to working full time, pursuing a Bachelors and Masters degree, while raising three kids and two dogs. Although I do not regret putting those things first in my life, I do wish I had learned out about Masonry sooner than I did as it life lessons are beautiful.

What Masonry Means To Me

To me Masonry means being around like minded men with the same purpose in life, i.e. improving ones self for the betterment of himself, his family, and thereby his community at large. No where else on God's green earth can men of varying backgrounds, ethnicity, religious affiliation, political affiliations, shapes and sizes come together for a common purpose. As many parents have told their children, "birds of a feather flock together", and I can think of no other place to surround myself with good men who have the common goal of improving themselves and not judging others. Our aspirations are simple; our duty is not to be better than our fellow man, but to be better than we were yesterday. That's what Masonry means to me.

Pete Botos, PM — Secretary

This elected officer handles all "business" and is charged with observing and recording all Lodge proceedings proper to be written.

About Me

I was born in Philadelphia, PA. But, I was raised in Falls Church, VA, and I'm the #1 Redskins Fan in Texas.

I earned a BBA from The George Washington University and a MS from [formerly] Abilene Christian University at Dallas; now Amberton University.

I was a member of the US Air Force Reserve Medical Service Corps for 28 years, and retired as a Lt Col; 8 of those years were on active duty. In 1991, I was on my two-week active duty tour, when the first Gulf War began. I assisted the Medical Readiness Officer in requesting Reserve personnel to backfill the active duty staff, who were on Mobility and left for their assignment in Germany. I retired from the Air Force Reserves on 19 November 2003. I was functioning as an Associate Hospital Administrator, when I transferred into the Retired Reserves.

I was an employee of the VA Medical Center, Dallas for 24 years as a supervisor in Supply Service.

As a Deputy District Clerk in the Dallas County District Clerk's Office, I worked on Civil, Family, and Juvenile court cases being appealed to the 5th Court of Appeals in Dallas.

My family resides in the Boston, MA area.

I became a Mason in May 1967; joining Air Force One Lodge No 889 at Maxwell AFB, Montgomery AL. I joined the Scottish Rite in Montgomery in October 1967, and Alcazar Shrine Temple in October 1968.

In January 1993, I transferred my Lodge membership to John L DeGrazier Lodge No 1349. I already had transferred my Scottish Rite and Shrine memberships to Dallas before transferring my Lodge membership.

During these 21 years, I've held the offices of: Junior Steward, Tiler, Treasurer, Secretary, Junior Warden, and Worshipful Master. Currently, I am the Lodge Secretary, again.

I am a member of the York Rite, and York Rite Masonic groups: Knight Masons and The Operatives.

How I Got Into Masonry

In Falls Church, VA, I was a member of the Order of DeMolay. I became acquainted with the Masons, who mentored our Chapter, and I was influenced to become a Mason.

What Masonry Means To Me

The teachings or lessons of Masonry are very significant to me. They remind me of my duty to be a good citizen, how to interact with people, and be a positive member of any community, where I may reside.

Garry Stackhouse, PM — Chaplin

This Appointed Officer is in charge of the performance of "those solemn duties rendered to the Creator."

Click to see his bio

Quick Glance

MARITAL STATUS — Married

OCCUPATION — Network Admin

HOBBIES — Golf, Computers, Community Service

FAVORITE THINGS — Pancakes, Aircraft, Flashlights

About Me

I am a loyal, friendly, guy who likes to spend time with my family and with my lodge. I like to serve my church and spend time helping others. I see our society in need of men who do what they say they'll do.

How I Got Into Masonry

I was working on a customer's computer who asked me if I knew anything about Masonry. I said no, and later met him and his lodge-mates for dinner and realized that Masonry was full of good men. I know that if you expect to become better than you are, you need to be around good men regularly. I decided that this was a group worth being around.

What Masonry Means To Me

I see Masonry as a place where I can serve the community in various ways. I can help to contribute to worthy causes and help raise awareness for the needs of specific people in need of help. It is a joy to see the friendship that comes from such help. The brotherhood of good men is a joy to experience. I feel it is a very good use of my time.

Derek Hofferber — Senior Deacon

This Appointed Officer aids in ceremonies, is a messenger in formal opening and closing, and introduces guests and visitors.

Dennis Burns — Juinor Deacon

This Appointed Officer is "Inner Guard" and handles communications between the Senior and Junior Wardens.

About Me

I was born just outside Pensacola, FL in 1960 and raised in the Navy. My father's final duty station was NAS JAX, so that's where we planted roots. Being the middle child of seven, I did what I could to get attention – and one could argue that hasn't changed. I became a Ham Radio operator in the 7th grade, since that was my dad's hobby and I was the only one to show interest.

I joined the Marine Corps on my 17th birthday and went to Parris Island for a 13 week, all-expense-paid vacation. From there to Twenty-Nine Palms, CA for Radio Repair School then on to Camp Pendleton, CA where I was attached to the 3rd Assault Amphibious Battalion.

Left the Marines in 1982 to take a job training the Royal Saudi Army, a job which eventually took me to Saudi Arabia to replace the existing microwave equipment for the Royal Saudi Air Force.

Returned to the States after a year and a half and spent the next 20 years in various telecom companies, involved in everything from DC to Light.

I eventually decided to trust myself and became self-employed. Re-inventing yourself isn't easy, but it can be rewarding. I realized one of my greatest strengths is my ability to apply what I know to solve problems in unrelated industries. This ability has resulted in several inventions and the development of a company which helps other people bring their ideas to fruition. I find it extremely rewarding to help other people find success.

I was Initiated 3/29/2011, Passed on 9/16/2011 and Raised a month later on 10/18/2011.

I am a member of the Scottish Rite and serve on the 18th Degree team. I hope to land greater opportunities in the Degree teams, in time.

How I Got Into Masonry

My daughter had a dislocatable hip when she was born. She spent her first year in a harness to correct the problem. At 14, it flared up and she needed hip surgery. Somehow, we ended up being referred to the Scottish rite Children's Hospital where she received the best care imaginable – for free. I always felt a bit guilty about that but it wasn't until I met the acquaintance of John Wilson that I figured how I could attempt to repay the good deed.

John Wilson and I became friends through martial arts. One thing lead to another and after I asked about all the badges on his back glass (duh) I was invited to lodge. Between his introduction and Buck Howard's subtle encouragement, I decided to petition.

What Masonry Means To Me

To me, Masonry means that I get to hang out with a bunch of guys that are of good character and in whom I can trust – with my life, if necessary. In times like these, that is a comforting thought.

It means doing things for other people for all the right reasons.

It means being able to sit down for hours at a time with people who may be your polar opposite and still enjoy their kind friendship, without arguing over the many things that separate us – concentrating on those things that bring us together.

I consider myself a good person and a loyal friend to those who take the time to get to know me. I had always wished I knew people who would be as good a friend to me as I would be to them. In this fraternity, I have found countless men who fit that description.

Mattos DeMallo Washington — Senior Steward

This Appointed Officer oversees and manages the preparing of meals and serving of refreshments, and to also assist the Deacons and other officers in performing their respective duties.

— Juinor Steward

This Appointed Officer assists the Senior Stweard in his duties along with the Master of Ceremonies assisting the Senior Deacon in tending to the needs of the candidates.

John Wilson, PM — Marshal

Along with the Master of Ceremonies, this Appointed Officer assists the Senior Deacon in tending to the needs of the candidates.

Rick Witherspoon — Master Of Ceremonies

Along with the Marshall, this Appointed Officer assists the Senior Deacon in tending to the needs of the candidates.

Harold Collum — Tiler

This Appointed Officer guards the main entrance of the Lodge room to ensure that those wishing to enter are qualified to do so.

You may view more details of each the officers position by going to our Officers Duties page

Past Masters

A remembrance to all those who have come this way before us, we pay tribute to them as best we can through our humble recognition on this site. We are encourage & charged with zeal to maintain the standards of Masonry these find men championed during the early years of this lodge.

Many men of all walks of life have led this lodge, from lawyers & business to military veterans and tradesmen. All walks of life, of every faith and ethnicity, promoting the betterment of man by practicing the true tenets of Masonry, "brotherly love & affection" toward all mankind.